Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) during a routine patrol in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Military sources told Zagazola on Tuesday that the discovery was made at about 1:10 p.m. on Saturday at Tse Orkpen, near Ukpiam, by troops of Sector 1 of the operation.

The sources said the troops spotted the unexploded ordnance while conducting a patrol and immediately secured the area to prevent any danger to residents.

According to the sources, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was subsequently deployed to the location and safely recovered the device.

The recovered unexploded ordnance has been taken into military custody for further action, while security agencies continue efforts to clear operational areas of explosive remnants that could pose a threat to civilians and security personnel.

Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue

Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have secured 27 cattle after responding to a report of farmland destruction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Military sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday at Taagbe Village.

The sources said troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to the area following reports that cattle were grazing on farmlands, resulting in the destruction of crops.

Upon arrival, the troops found 27 cattle grazing unattended, with no herders present at the scene.

According to the sources, the cattle were moved to a safe location to prevent further damage to farmlands and to facilitate appropriate administrative action.

The sources added that security personnel remain on alert in the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order, while efforts are ongoing to identify the owners of the cattle and address the incident through the appropriate channels.

The intervention forms part of ongoing measures by security agencies to contain farmer-herder disputes and maintain peace in communities across Plateau State.

Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau

PRESS RELEASE

NADCEL 2026: 4 BRIGADE CONDUCTS 10KM ROUTE MARCH, PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, AND NAOWA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN BENIN CITY

As part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army successfully conducted a series of civil-military and operational activities, including a 10-kilometre route march, public speaking engagement, free medical outreach, and Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) educational outreach in Benin City, Edo State.

NADCEL is the Nigerian Army’s foremost annual event dedicated to commemorating its establishment, evolution, achievements, and the sacrifices of its personnel in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The celebration traces its origin to 6 July 1967, when the Nigerian Army commenced active military operations during the Nigerian Civil War following the firing of the first shot at Garkem in present-day Cross River State. Since then, 6 July has been observed annually as Nigerian Army Day, symbolising the Army’s resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national service.

Activities marking NADCEL 2026 at 4 Brigade commenced on 26 and 28 June 2026 with Juma’at prayers and an Interdenominational Church Service held at GRA and Ekehuan Cantonment respectively. The religious activities were attended by officers, soldiers, and personnel of other security agencies in Edo State. Special prayers were offered for the continued success of the Nigerian Army, the safety of serving personnel, the well-being of retired veterans, and the repose of the souls of fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.

On Friday, 3 July 2026, the Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, led officers and soldiers on a 10-kilometre NADCEL route march through major streets of Benin City as part of activities commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army. Speaking with journalists at the end of the exercise, the Commander stated that the route march was aimed at creating public awareness of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration while demonstrating the Brigade’s operational readiness to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. He further disclosed that this year’s celebration was unique as the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM had directed all commanders to reassure Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to confronting emerging security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.

Following the route march, the Commander, accompanied by officers and soldiers, proceeded to Edo College Benin City, for a public speaking engagement with the school’s management and students. During the programme, a documentary highlighting the history and evolution of the Nigerian Army was screened, while students were enlightened on the various career opportunities in the Nigerian Army.

The students expressed appreciation to the Brigade Commander for the enlightening engagement, noting that they had gained valuable knowledge about the Nigerian Army and its operations. In his remarks, the Principal of the College, Mr Justice Aigbe, thanked the Brigade for organising the programme themed, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.” Highlights of the event included an interactive question-and-answer session during which the Commander addressed students’ questions, as well as the unveiling and presentation of educational books provided by Army Headquarters to the students.

On Saturday, 4 July 2026, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun led staff officers, personnel of 4 Brigade Medical Centre to Amufi and neighbouring communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State for a free medical outreach. The outreach formed part of the Brigade’s activities for NADCEL 2026 and provided free medical consultations, eye screening, reading glasses, dental care, essential drugs dispense, health education, laboratory investigations, including malaria parasite tests, hepatitis B and C screening, retroviral screening, blood sugar tests, and blood pressure checks, among other healthcare services.

Addressing beneficiaries, the Brigade Commander stated that the outreach reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians beyond its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity. He added that the initiative forms part of the Brigade’s non-kinetic operations aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities and appreciating critical stakeholders for their continued support to military operations.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Ohen of Amufi Kingdom, Chief Iyi-Ewuare Asenogua, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army for bringing quality healthcare services to the community, noting that over 3,000 beneficiaries received free medical treatment during the exercise. Similarly, the Chairman of Ikpoba Hill Youth Forum, Mr Kingsley Osemwingie, described the outreach as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s concern for the welfare of the people, adding that the initiative had significantly improved access to quality healthcare for residents of the community.

On Monday, 6 July 2026, the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs Mariam Aina Balogun, led executive members of the Association to Army Day Secondary School, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, for a NAOWA Educational Outreach as part of activities commemorating NADCEL 2026. The outreach, which was aimed at promoting educational development and supporting learning among students, was attended by teachers, students, and members of the school community. During the event, educational materials, including customised exercise books, pens, pencils, and erasers, were distributed to over 500 students to encourage academic excellence and support their educational pursuits.

Kennedy Anyanwu
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
Benin City

NADCEL 2026: 4 BRIGADE CONDUCTS 10KM ROUTE MARCH, PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, AND NAOWA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN BENIN CITY